The UK Modern Slavery and Human Rights Policy and Evidence Centre (Modern Slavery PEC) in partnership with the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK (CPA UK) will organise and host a two-day virtual conference for parliamentarians, government officials, researchers, civil society and survivor organisations from the UK, Commonwealth and beyond.
The conference will aim at increasing participants' knowledge and understanding of the support and protection needed by survivors of modern slavery, human trafficking and forced labour, examining existing approaches to these issues and developing new and well-targeted future work and research. Participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences and learn from other countries.
Speakers already confirmed, include:
- Former UK Prime Minister Rt Hon. Theresa May MP
- Rt Hon Frank Field, Chair of the Independent Review of the Modern Slavery Act
- Professor Parosha Chandran, Professor of Practice in Modern Slavery Law at King’s College, London and human rights barrister at One Pump Court
- Professor Tomoya Obokata, UN Special Rapporteur on Contemporary Forms of Slavery
- R. Evon Idahosa Esq, Founder and Executive Director at Pathfinders Justice Initiative
- Professor Ryszard Piotrowicz, Vice President of GRETA, Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings
- Lord McColl of Dulwich, Member of the House of Lords and promoter of the Modern Slavery (Victim Support) Bill
Other distinguished speakers in the field of modern slavery and a full programme will be confirmed soon.
To register for the conference please fill out the form on the CPA UK’s website.
The global context
Modern slavery is an issue that affects millions worldwide, yet it is not widely understood or well reflected by existing laws and policies. This exploitation affects every country in the world and leaves no industry or community untouched.
It continues to remain a fast-evolving issue. Today, more than ever, collating robust data that can strengthen and better inform policy development and reflect what survivors truly need is essential.
Having lived experience of modern slavery and human trafficking, survivors are credible messengers with invaluable insight into how human rights violations manifest, the impact they have on individuals and communities, and the effectiveness of current policies and available services. They also serve as sources of valuable intelligence concerning where trafficking is occurring and the manner in which it is evolving. As such, survivors should play a central role in policymaking, as their lived experience should generate more effective policies and relevant programmes that address their unique needs. It is therefore imperative for their voices to be included in the discourse.
The conference will serve as an opportunity for actors involved in the anti-slavery work to join forces and to reflect on the existing systems and policies addressing modern slavery. It will provide a platform for participants to reflect upon and discuss current policies and programmes, encourage an embedded approach to survivor involvement in policy development and collate data that can inform innovative and effectual future policies and research.
The conference will be interactive, engaging and thought-provoking, with break-out sessions, polls, small group activities and networking opportunities.
The conference language will be English.
Free registration: the deadline for registration has passed. There might be a possibility to add your name to the list manually, please email the Communications Director Jakub Sobik at j.sobik@modernslaverypec.org for more information.
